Labour Court recommends further lump sum for Smurfit Print workers, declines extra 5% pay

In 1998, the Labour Court recommended a further lump sum for Smurfit Print workers represented by the Services Industrial Professional Technical Union (Irish Women Workers' Branch), but did not recommend their claim for an additional 5% pay. The amount of the further payment was to be negotiated by the parties. The dispute concerned workers already receiving the binding rate under a company-union agreement. The union argued that they were entitled to another 5% for flexibility after revised work practices were introduced. Smurfit Print said the agreement meant that all workers would receive the 5% rate and those already paid it would receive a lump sum. The recommendation was signed on 22 May 1998.